Background/History:
The Olivetti Envision stretches the boundaries of what can be considered a "video game system", but it is a computer device that can be hooked up to a television and play games, so it qualifies as a console video game system. The system was in the category of multimedia systems, a class that also includes the CD-i, Memorex VIS, and Amiga CD32. The system, made by an Italian electronics company called Olivetti, was released only in Italy. It launched in September 1995. The system was released with two available processors, much like engine choices in a car. One could opt for a model based on the Intel 486 DX4 100 MHz processor or an Intel Pentium 75 MHz processor. The system had a wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote and was designed to be compatible with standard PC peripherals.
The purpose of the system was to make a computer that was easy to use, a sort of "first computer" that had a less steep learning curve to use. The system used Windows 95, which on the Envision was available in three modes. The simple mode was limited to the use of a remote control that could be used to control volume or make copies of CDs. The intermediate mode allowed the use of a limited set of programs through a graphical shell called Olipilot. The advanced mode used the standard Windows 95 appearance.
The system was also designed to have the appearance of a VCR, in order to win it familiarity with consumers.
What Makes It Obscure?
The system was only sold in Italy, and it failed over there. The hardware was not upgradeable, and was rendered obsolete very quickly. The system had many bugs that prevented full compatibility with PC programs, It was also overpriced, poorly marketed, and filled a niche that wasn't there to begin with.
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